Mexico -- solo?
 

I am finishing school soon and am toying with the idea of riding the backroads of Mexico till my money runs out. I most likely will do this solo and was hoping for some suggestions/advice.

Best suggestion going is to spend a lot time reading this site - everything you need to know is here.

Check out the Mexico Travellers Meeting pages for some specific Mexico info, plus the varous Travellers Stories for their experiences in Mexico.

Relax, go slow and have a great time!

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

smp85-I live in Flagstaff as well.It is indeed a small world at times.I've travelled the length of Mexico several times,including both coasts,and the Central States as well(using rental vehicles,as well as my motorcycle).You will love the country for motorcycling.I would highly recommend that you get a copy of Dr.Gregory Frazer's Book "Riding South;Mexico,Central America,and South America by Motorcycle"(ISBN# 0-935151-04-4).Read the book twice,and you will be off to a good start.If you have any specific questions,then fire away anytime.

Hey thanks for the reply. I am waiting for anxiously for the book and have almost gotten to the point of counting the days till Dec. Cheers

Forgot to ask ya did you spend all your night in hotel/motels? I was hoping to save some money by hanging a louie and sleeping in a secluded field (I am a early riser). Bad idea?

My wife and I are currently in Mexico camping where possible, the northern and central highlands can be a bit cold at night. Other than that it seems to be safe everywhere, but the only advice when free camping is try to get out of sight of the road not that we have had any trouble, it is just that out of sight is out of mind.

You should try to get to Parral, very friendly town off the beaten track. Also if you want other information on where we have stayed etc let me know.

Cheers Geoff

smp85-after making several camping only trips to Mexico,I've switched over to staying in budget hotels(often very primitive,always cheap,and usually run by a nice family).You will find that you have to put in a lot of effort to be able to camp on the side of the road(moving off of the road after sunset,not making noise, ect.).For the cost of a cheap hotel($8.00-14.00),the additional gear is not worth small dollar amount saved.Travelling lighter,means travelling easier.Simplicity is king(keep it simple).Although off topic,you will need a strategy to deal with Mexican Mystery Gas(for the gas tank,and not your stomach).A tank full of contaminated gas will stop your trip in a hurry).You will end up with bad gas at some point during your trip.If you're interested,then let's start another topic.

I would disagree that the money saved in camping is not worth it. Rather than looking for free camping (which isn't actually that bad, just ask locals for recommendations) - you can stay at National Parks which generally cost 10 - 20 pesos per person (which is the amount you would pay to visit the park during the day as well), they are safe, and you would be saving $5-10 per night at least and this certainly adds up on a long trip. Also living in a tent can be a lot nicer than cheap hotels where there tend to be cockroaches and so on... (first experience last night at Hotel Zaragoza in Mazatlan!) your own tent and sleeping gear is always good and nothing beats the great outdoors! Have fun!

Nina

Hi there,

I just returned from a 4 month ride around mexico. I traveled the Autopistas ONLY when I had to, and indeed camping in the cornfields were much more relaxing than any other option in the backroad pueblitos.
But with so many beautiful towns and citys, a decent central hotel for a few days is what broke up the backcountry riding perfectly.

Someone mentioned asking locals for places to camp. This can work great but be prepared for an inquisitive audience at the spot. Dont worry, your timing will become flawless. For me this meant exactly half way between two towns, about 1 hour before sunset. On a bike you have unlimited options for free capmping.
For me the state of Michoacan is paradise. Small population, amazing scenery, fantastic people and great roads to explore. I spent almost half my 4 months exploring this state!
Best of luck to you!

Cuidado mucho,